Occidental College vs Cornell

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in size and location between Occidental College and Cornell University?

  Occidental College is a small, private liberal arts college located in Los Angeles, California, with an undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students. Cornell University, on the other hand, is a large, private Ivy League research university situated in Ithaca, New York, with a total student population exceeding 25,000, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Occidental offers a more intimate, urban setting, while Cornell provides a broader, more comprehensive academic experience in a rural environment.

• How do the academic focuses and program offerings differ between Occidental and Cornell?

  Occidental College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and undergraduate research. While it offers a range of majors, it's particularly known for its programs in diplomacy and world affairs, media arts and culture, and environmental science. Cornell University, as a research university, offers a much wider array of programs across various colleges, including engineering, agriculture, architecture, business, and hospitality, in addition to a strong liberal arts college. Cornell provides more specialized and pre-professional programs compared to Occidental's broader liberal arts focus.

• What are the differences in campus culture and student life at Occidental and Cornell?

  Occidental College fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on social justice and civic engagement. Student life is characterized by active participation in clubs, organizations, and community service initiatives. Cornell University, due to its size, offers a more diverse and varied campus culture. Student life is vibrant with a wide range of activities, including Greek life, sports, performing arts, and research opportunities. Cornell's larger size allows for a greater diversity of interests and social groups.

• How do the costs of attendance and financial aid opportunities compare between Occidental and Cornell?

  Both Occidental College and Cornell University have high costs of attendance. However, both institutions also offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. Cornell, as an Ivy League institution, has a larger endowment, which allows it to provide significant financial aid. Occidental is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of its admitted students. It's important to compare the specific financial aid packages offered by each institution based on your individual financial circumstances.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Occidental and Cornell?

  Both Occidental College and Cornell University offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job placement, and career exploration. Cornell's larger alumni network provides a broader range of connections and opportunities across various industries. Occidental's alumni network, while smaller, is highly engaged and supportive, particularly in fields related to media, entertainment, and public service, especially in the Los Angeles area. Both institutions provide resources for students to connect with alumni and build their professional networks.

• How does the location of each school impact internship and research opportunities?

  Occidental College's location in Los Angeles provides students with access to numerous internship opportunities in the entertainment industry, media, politics, and non-profit organizations. Cornell University's location in Ithaca, while more rural, offers strong research opportunities, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences. Cornell also leverages its extensive network to provide internship opportunities in major cities. The location of each school significantly shapes the types of experiential learning opportunities available to students.

• What are the similarities between Occidental College and Cornell University?

  Despite their differences in size and location, both Occidental College and Cornell University are highly selective institutions committed to academic excellence. Both schools attract bright, motivated students and offer a challenging and rewarding educational experience. Both institutions also emphasize the importance of research and provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research projects. Furthermore, both Occidental and Cornell are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.

• Which school is better for students interested in a specific pre-professional program like engineering or hospitality?

  Cornell University is generally a better choice for students interested in specific pre-professional programs like engineering, architecture, hospitality management, or agriculture. Cornell has dedicated colleges and schools for these fields, offering specialized curricula, research facilities, and industry connections. While Occidental offers a strong liberal arts foundation, it does not have the same depth and breadth of pre-professional programs as Cornell.

• Which school is better for students seeking a more personalized and intimate learning environment?

  Occidental College is better suited for students who thrive in a more personalized and intimate learning environment. With smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, Occidental allows for more individualized attention from professors and closer relationships with classmates. Cornell, while offering many opportunities, can feel overwhelming to some students due to its large size.

• How do the political climates differ between Occidental and Cornell?

  Both Occidental and Cornell are generally considered to have politically active student bodies. Occidental, located in a progressive city like Los Angeles, tends to lean more left-leaning in its political climate, with a strong emphasis on social justice issues. Cornell, while also generally left-leaning, has a more diverse range of political viewpoints due to its larger size and more geographically diverse student body. Both institutions encourage open dialogue and debate on political issues.